# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
Sign Up

Apply for Funding

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee awards grants for a broad array of charitable purposes.

Learn more about the application process for Community Foundation discretionary grants, and other grant programs such as Employee Assistance Funds. You can also explore our scholarships, and the guidelines for applying.

Serving Legislative Interns

  • George Oliver Benton Memorial Scholarship Fund
    George Oliver Benton Memorial Scholarship Fund Established 2001

    Those eligible to apply are Legislative Interns. Scholarships will be awarded to students who attend an accredited four-year college/university in the State of Tennessee and/or are residents of Tennessee. Consideration will be given to extracurricular activities, especially those indicative of an interest in government. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ George Oliver Benton, who died in 2001 at age 86, led a rich and varied life, often spent in service to the community. An attorney from Jackson, George was elected Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee on his first day in the Senate and served for two years. He then began a career as a lobbyist, which lasted until the year before his death. Known as the dean of the state's lobbyist corps, colleagues sought him out for his wisdom and experience. The George Oliver Benton Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to benefit Tennessee's legislative interns.

    Apply Now
  • Senator Carl O. Koella, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
    Senator Carl O. Koella, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund Established 1999

    Those eligible are Legislative Interns, either public or private, currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a four-year college the year of the application. Extra consideration will be given to extra-curricular activities in the areas of government and politics, and also to residents of Blount and Sevier counties of Tennessee. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ A Maryville, Tennessee, native, State Senator Carl Koella served 25 years in the state Senate. In 1999, upon his death at age 64, the Tennessee Lobbyist Association sought a way to honor their friend. Senator Koella was an advocate of bright young people becoming involved in the political process, thus the association decided that a fitting legacy would be to establish the Senator Carl O. Koella, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund within The Community Foundation.

    Apply Now